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Beat the cyber-bullying
CYBER-BULLYING, as it is known, is becoming increasingly common in schools and homes across Derbyshire where mobile phones and the internet are easily accessible.
This modern form of bullying is the focus for Anti-Bullying Week, which starts on Monday and schools are being encouraged to teach youngsters the perils of cyber-bullying and the anguish it can cause.
Research has found that more than a third of 12 to 15-year-olds have faced some form of cyber-bullying, whether it be a threatening text message, or name calling over MSN.
A spokesperson for the Anti-Bullying Alliance, the national authority on anti-bullying work, said: "Bullying is 'the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person by another, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power.
"It can be carried out physically, verbally, emotionally or through cyberspace. This year's theme for anti bullying week is 'stay safe in cyberspace'. The focus will be on cyber-bullying – the use of information communications technology, particularly mobile phones and the internet, to deliberately upset someone else.
"The key message for this year's Anti-Bullying Week is that modern technologies remain a positive and productive part of the lives of children and young people and they can be used safely and constructively."
Belper School, in John O'Gaunts Way, has organised a poster competition to mark the awareness week. The school will also have displays on bullying in the library, which will include information on cyber-bullying.
School spokeswoman Joan Hardy said: "Students can email their concerns to a safe location and it will then be answered by a specialist team.
"It's something the school takes very seriously. We tackle all aspects of bullying, including cyber-bullying.
"I'm not aware of any specific problems with cyber-bullying in school. But there are systems in place to deal with it if it becomes an issue."
The Anti-Bullying Alliance is a unique organisation of over 60 members from the voluntary, public and private sectors, who work together to reduce bullying and create safer environments in which children and young people can live, grow, play and learn.
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Weather for Belper
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -3 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
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